I will be happy as long as winners from non-cricket sports are also celebrated: Saina Nehwal
Badminton star Saina Nehwal, despite her career-ending knee injury, discusses the upcoming 3x15 scoring system in badminton, believing it will benefit players like P.V. Sindhu and extend careers due to shorter matches and more recovery time. She also emphasizes the importance of celebrating athletes from non-cricket sports in India.
Why it matters
This article provides insight into significant rule changes in professional badminton and highlights the challenges and aspirations of athletes in sports other than cricket in India, advocating for broader recognition.
Saina Nehwal chuckled when asked if the 3x15 scoring system, set to come into force from January 2027, could tempt her to return to the badminton court.
In theory, Saina, at least at her peak, would have revelled in this abridged format. Her natural attacking flair, speed and ability to close out games would have made her a neat fit.
While this could make for a good debate over coffee, the reality is quite different. At 36, and having gone through the intense grind of the professional tour for nearly two decades, Saina is unable to meet the physical demands of the sport.
“I wish I could come back, but I have total cartilage damage,” she said during a virtual interaction. “My knee is in a seriously bad shape. I cannot push for more than half an hour. But yes, I really do want to play.”
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